Posted this in the wrong forum before.....

I really would like to purchase a MINI, but before I get put on a waiting list or put down payment on one, there are some questions I hope someone here could help me answer.

I live in Illinois, so winter driving is unavoidable. I was wondering how the MINI handles icy/snowy roads. What tires would be best for winter conditions?

Also, I don't plan to be doing any modding to my MINI. But in the event that a part fails, how much would parts cost? My Dad, who is typically old fashioned and pro American cars, keeps telling me that parts for the MINI are outrageous, and that there are hard to find dealers willing to service MINIs. Any truth there? Anyone have any experience with parts? How hard is it to find people who service MINIs?

I apologize in advance if any of these questions were asked before, I tried searching the boards, but there is just so much material. Any help appreciated.

 

mine did fine in chicago last winter, but it was pretty mild!
as far as service, your dealer should handle everything within the warranty.
as far as mod's/parts, yes they are expensive, but they will not be that way forever!
go for it, you won't regret it!

 

I live in Western New York (Think Buffalo area) and the only problems I had were on unplowed driveways, because my MINI would just ride up on the snow and get stuck. But on the actuall roads, no problem what so ever. My MCS has trouble starting out from a stop (tires try to spin, then the asc kicks in), but once it grabs some road, you're good to go. I was quite impressed..

Rocketboy_X

 

Seik, welcome to MCO! :smile:

There's a ton of info on MCO re. MINIs and winter driving. Use the search function (here's a how to on using the search function) to search on terms such as "snow" or "winter".

I live in MA...and after this very snowy winter, I can attest to the fact that the MINI (with proper snow tires) is great in the snow. But check it out.

As for parts, yes, they're expensive. So is dealer service. So is ANY under-hood service given the "jewel-like" packaging of the MINI's mechanicals. And unless you're an accomplished mechanic, don't be thinking about doing too much do-it-yourself work to the powertrain. BMW doesn't release shop manuals and there are no aftermarket manuals available yet. Therefore, there's pretty much no one servicing MINIs than MINI dealers. Good thing you have a 50K mile warranty...so you really won't have to be thinking too much about parts prices for several years. After that though, the jury's out.

 

Live in Indianapolis, Indiana. Got our MCS at the end of last November, and drove it thru the winter. We didn't have any problems. When the snow was REAL BAD (just a couple times) we left Alice parked in the garage and took our other vehicle. Haven't done any mods either, nor have we had any service done, so I'm not sure on price of parts. I'd imagine they are a little salty.